Primed and ready

Mustangs in good position to earn playoff berth

By Ricky Duke, Contributing Writer

Winning seems to suit the players and coaches of Ola. After stumbling to a 1-2 start in 2007, the Mustangs won five of their next six games and fought their way into the playoffs. Not only that, but they advanced in the playoffs by beating Des Arc on the road before losing a heartbreaker at Woodlawn.

There were about 16 of those Mustangs that were on the field for the winning and the ultimate loss that will be back on the field this season, and they believe that this could be the year they challenge for the 2A-5 conference title.

Despite having a wealth of talent back, Ola will have to replace a few pieces - namely most of the offensive and defensive line, including all-conference players Jacob Goodwin and Heath Hays. Also gone is all-state running back Tyler King, who was a multiple threat in Ola's spread offense.

But there are many reasons to think the Mustangs could have a special season, assistant coach Josh Harrison said. Matt Damon, who has been on the field and under center since he was a sophomore, returns for his senior season. Damon's job in the Ola offense is to "make sure everyone is doing their job and then get them the ball," Harrison said. His experience will be the key to the Mustangs' season.

Although the Mustangs' top rusher from last season will be gone, Ola will have two experienced faces in the backfield. Senior fullback Derek Abernathy and junior tailback Clay Damon both had strong 2007 campaigns, and both should have plenty of touches in 2008.

But the Spread is where Ola shines, and several players are returning that have experience at receiver and at running back. Toby King, Tyler Carney, Bryant Smith and Trent Jones will all see time on the field either split wide or in the backfield.

If those players are expected to perform well, the next group will have to catch up quickly. Much of the offensive line must be replaced, but Jason Frinkle will return as the only starter in the trenches. The rest of the line will be a mix of seniors, juniors and at least one sophomore.

Ola gets seven starters back on a defense that will be successful if the line can gel, assistant coach Josh Harrison said.

Much like the offensive line, there will not be much returning up front, but Ola does have senior Matt Ault, who will be the leader of the defense. He will be joined by fellow senior Anthony Moore.